Plan 9 from Outer Space saucer

[TheSt.LouisKid]

After watching this Plan 9 in the glory of jumbotronic HD I realized that the saucers used in the original film are the Lindberg UFO model with the externalized engines omitted and clear bubble painted silver to match the overall body. In the Tim Burton film paper plates were used to explain them. The Lindberg kit was the first sci-fi model kit and was produced in the '50's.

From the film.

The most tell tale part when watching the film was when you can see the underside detail and particularly these four conicalish details drafted to the edge of the saucer.

The release from Glencoe.

Your chance to own your studio scale model from one of the most famously craptacular movies in sci-fi history is out there.





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[robn1]

Yeah, I read that somewhere, and recognized the kits in the movie. That's what I hated about the Ed Wood movie, the paper plate saucers!

 

[Adam C.]

Good eye. You're definitely right about this. It was also mentioned in the documentary, "Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion". (It's easiest to find it by getting the "Wade Williams" version of "Plan 9 From Outer Space" on DVD). The flying saucer would actually make a great prop from that movie. Thanks for the idea.

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[Treadwell]

Tim Burton was aware that pie plates were not used originally, but decided to go with the general perception that they were for comedic effect.

 

[phase pistol]

Yep! And flying saucers themselves (as a pop culture phenomenon) were only really "invented" in 1947, and were prominent in films and books throughout the Fifties.

 

[Adam C.]

Guess what! A new model company called Atlantis Models has re-released the 50's Lindberg UFO model kit! I just picked one up today from a local Hobby/Modeling store that I check out sometimes. I don't usually buy or assemble models myself, (I don't really have the skill or the patience), but I couldn't pass up this bad-boy! (By the way, I just got done putting in my "Plan 9 From Outer Space" DVD to freeze-frame on a couple of scenes for comparison...and this is definitely the same UFO model kit that was used for the flying saucers in the movie). Just thought I'd give everybody a heads-up.http://www.atlantis-models.com/html/ufo_flying_saucer.html
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[seven]

Ed Wood is quoted to saying "...We used Cadillac hubcaps for flying saucers in that..." refereing to Plan 9, his pride and joy.

It's said that when they went back to the hobby store to pick up more models, the store was sold out, so they used the hubcaps.

Was this for the last shot of the saucer on fire? it was the only time it looked different to me.

hey, my 777th post!

 

[Adam C.]

Ed Wood is quoted to saying "...We used Cadillac hubcaps"...Was this for the last shot of the saucer on fire? it was the only time it looked different to me.

If you watch the documentary "Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion", they actually discuss the fact that Ed Wood used to constantly tell people the hubcap thing in interviews because it was something that a lot of people thought already, and his opinion was that it made for a better story. Then they mention that in one interview, later on, he actually told the truth about the models being purchased from the hobby store. After I picked up mine the other day I put in my "Plan 9" DVD and watched the whole thing, (pausing the movie whenever the UFO's appeared), and held up my model for comparison. (I can't seem to find any good, high-resolution screencaps on-line.) It looked dead on to me in every scene.

 

[Adam C.]

For anyone who's interested, the section on the "Flying Saucers Over Hollywood: The Plan 9 Companion" documentary that I mentioned in my previous post that deals with the UFO model-kit being used in "Plan 9" was on CHAPTER/TRACK 22 titled, "A Mini-Mystery Solved". (I just watched it again tonight.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i9QqlM5TeA Start watching at 1 hour, 36 minutes and 40 seconds. (1:36:40)

 

[TridCloudwalker]

Awesome. I have one of these in glow in the dark plastic. It's missing half of one of the engines, but apparently I don't need them. Rock. New prop to build!

 

[seven]

I just picked up one of the kits (probably pick up two more later). Can any see from the screen shots where the string is attached to the model?

I am curious if they used the two holes in the main hull that was for the thrusters as the tie points.

 

[SD Studios]

I photographed one of the original props on one of my trips to Bob Burns House. I THINK the one he has is an original. I can't find the pics right now. :confused

The upper clear dome is painted silver and had a hole drilled into the dead-center. That had to be for the string.

I made a replica for myself a loong time ago based off the reference pics I took at Bob's.

VERY easy prop to make!

 

[TridCloudwalker]

I photographed one of the original props on one of my trips to Bob Burns House. I THINK the one he has is an original. I can't find the pics right now. :confused

The upper clear dome is painted silver and had a hole drilled into the dead-center. That had to be for the string.

I made a replica for myself a loong time ago based off the reference pics I took at Bob's.

VERY easy prop to make!

Was the whole ship silver, or just the dome? Still have the pics?

 

[Adam C.]

Was the whole ship silver, or just the dome? Still have the pics?

To my eye, it looks like the whole ship was painted silver in its entirety. As far as the holes are concerned, if you watch different scenes of the movie carefully, it looks like some of the ships had possibly just one hole through the middle, (dome) of the ship, (especially when it's landing...it sort of "wobbles"), while in other shots, (particularly when the three ships are flying together), it looks to me like at least three holes were in the hull...(they seem to have much more control and stability when they're flying in these scenes.)
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[Adam C.]

This is kind of cool. Here is the original Patent Filed in 1954 by Paul A. Lindberg.

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[kdawg1]

Oh I need one of these!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Adam C.]

Here are some pictures of my Plan 9 flying saucer model painted and assembled.

http://www.therpf.com/f9/adam-c-s-collection-new-stuff-rosebud-sled-citizen-kane-80790/index6.html#post1837875